Miraj (معراج) night, also known as “Night Journey” refers to the historical journey of the Prophet Muhammad صَلَّى ٱللَّٰهُ عَلَيْهِۦ وَسَلَّمَ from Masjid Al-Haram, Mecca to Masjid Al-Aqsa Jerusalem and then his Ascension to the Heavens, during one night, by the Will and Command of Allah سُبْحَانَهُۥ وَتَعَالَىٰ. This historical event took place in 621 CE. It is believed that it was the 27th of the Islamic month of Rajab, just one year before he migrated to Medina (Hijrah).
In Islamic terminology, this event is referred to as “Isra and Miraj” (الإسراء والمعراج). Isra is “traveling at night or walking,” whereas Miraj means “going up to the highest place or rising.” Islamic traditions often mention it as “Al-Isra wal Miraj.” As the term suggests, this historical event comprised two parts.
Firstly, the Prophet Muhammad صَلَّى ٱللَّٰهُ عَلَيْهِۦ وَسَلَّمَ traveled from Masjid Al-Haram, which is situated in Mecca, Saud Arabia, to Masjid Al-Aqsa, located in current days Jerusalem. This journey was facilitated by the Angel Jibril عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ, while the Prophet Muhammad صَلَّى ٱللَّٰهُ عَلَيْهِۦ وَسَلَّمَ was riding a heavenly “horse like bird”, known as Al-Buraq (البراق). This part of the Journey is known as Isra.
The second part of this journey was the Ascension of the Prophet Muhammad صَلَّى ٱللَّٰهُ عَلَيْهِۦ وَسَلَّمَ to the seventh heaven from Masjid Al-Aqsa. This is known as Miraj. All this happened during one night, which is commonly referred to as Shab-e-Miraj “شب معراج” (Night of the Ascension). Most importantly, this entire journey was physical, not just spiritual. The Prophet Muhammad صَلَّى ٱللَّٰهُ عَلَيْهِۦ وَسَلَّمَ was physically Ascended to the Heavens, where he spoke to the Almighty Allah سُبْحَانَهُۥ وَتَعَالَىٰ.
Quranic References About Miraj Night
The night journey of the Prophet Muhammad is mentioned mainly in Surah Al-Isra. Another reference of the Prophet’s night journey is also available in the Surah An-Najm.
In the first verse of Surah Al-Isra, it is mentioned that the journey of Prophet Muhammad صَلَّى ٱللَّٰهُ عَلَيْهِۦ وَسَلَّمَ from Masjid Al-Haram to Masjid Al-Aqsa was to show him the signs of Allah سُبْحَانَهُۥ وَتَعَالَىٰ.
Translation
Holy is He Who carried His servant by night from the Holy Mosque (in Makkah) to the farther Mosque (in Jerusalem) whose surroundings We have blessed that We might show him some of Our Signs. Indeed He alone is All-Hearing, All-Seeing.
The Miraj event is mentioned in verses 13-18 of Surah An-Najm:
Translation
- Indeed he saw him a second time,
- by the lote-tree at the farthest boundary,
- near which is the Garden of Abode.
- (This was) when the lote-tree was covered with that which covered it.
- His eye did not waver, nor did it stray,
- and he certainly saw some of the greatest Signs of His Lord.
Here, Sidratul Muntaha (سِدْرَۃِ الْمُنْتَہٰى) is also mentioned, which is a very large tree that marks the farthest boundary of the seventh heaven.
Hadiths References About Miraj Night
While a brief description of the Night Journey of the Prophet Muhammad is mentioned in the Quran, it is more elaborately narrated in various authentic Hadiths. Hadith 6613 of Sahih Al-Bukhari narrates the night journey of the Prophet Muhammad صَلَّى ٱللَّٰهُ عَلَيْهِۦ وَسَلَّمَ as under:
Translation
Narrated Ibn `Abbas: (regarding the Verse) “And We granted the vision (Ascension to the heavens “Miraj”) which We showed you (O Muhammad as an actual eye witness) but as a trial for mankind.’ (17.60): Allah’s Apostle actually saw with his own eyes the vision (all the things which were shown to him) on the night of his Night Journey to Jerusalem (and then to the heavens). The cursed tree which is mentioned in the Qur’an is the tree of Az-Zaqqum.
In Hadith 3887 of Sahih Al-Bukhari, the complete sequence of events during the night of Isra and Miraj is mentioned in detail:
Translation
Malik bin Sasaa said that Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) described to them his Night Journey saying, “While I was lying in Al-Hatim or Al-Hijr, suddenly someone came to me and cut my body open from here to here.” I asked Al-Jarud who was by my side, “What does he mean?” He said, “It means from his throat to his pubic area,” or said, “From the top of the chest.” The Prophet (ﷺ) further said, “He then took out my heart. Then a gold tray of Belief was brought to me and my heart was washed and was filled (with Belief) and then returned to its original place. Then a white animal which was smaller than a mule and bigger than a donkey was brought to me.” (On this Al-Jarud asked, “Was it the Buraq, O Abu Hamza?” I (i.e. Anas) replied in the affirmative). The Prophet (ﷺ) said, “The animal’s step (was so wide that it) reached the farthest point within the reach of the animal’s sight. I was carried on it, and Gabriel set out with me till we reached the nearest heaven. When he asked for the gate to be opened, it was asked, ‘Who is it?’ Gabriel answered, ‘Gabriel.’ It was asked, ‘Who is accompanying you?’ Gabriel replied, ‘Muhammad.’ It was asked, ‘Has Muhammad been called?’ Gabriel replied in the affirmative. Then it was said, ‘He is welcomed. What an excellent visit his is!’ The gate was opened, and when I went over the first heaven, I saw Adam there. Gabriel said (to me). ‘This is your father, Adam; pay him your greetings.’ So I greeted him and he returned the greeting to me and said, ‘You are welcomed, O pious son and pious Prophet.’ Then Gabriel ascended with me till we reached the second heaven. Gabriel asked for the gate to be opened. It was asked, ‘Who is it?’ Gabriel answered, ‘Gabriel.’ It was asked, ‘Who is accompanying you?’ Gabriel replied, ‘Muhammad.’ It was asked, ‘Has he been called?’ Gabriel answered in the affirmative. Then it was said, ‘He is welcomed. What an excellent visit his is!’ The gate was opened. When I went over the second heaven, there I saw Yahya (i.e. John) and `Isa (i.e. Jesus) who were cousins of each other. Gabriel said (to me), ‘These are John and Jesus; pay them your greetings.’ So I greeted them and both of them returned my greetings to me and said, ‘You are welcomed, O pious brother and pious Prophet.’ Then Gabriel ascended with me to the third heaven and asked for its gate to be opened. It was asked, ‘Who is it?’ Gabriel replied, ‘Gabriel.’ It was asked, ‘Who is accompanying you?’ Gabriel replied, ‘Muhammad.’ It was asked, ‘Has he been called?’ Gabriel replied in the affirmative. Then it was said, ‘He is welcomed, what an excellent visit his is!’ The gate was opened, and when I went over the third heaven there I saw Joseph. Gabriel said (to me), ‘This is Joseph; pay him your greetings.’ So I greeted him and he returned the greeting to me and said, ‘You are welcomed, O pious brother and pious Prophet.’ Then Gabriel ascended with me to the fourth heaven and asked for its gate to be opened. It was asked, ‘Who is it?’ Gabriel replied, ‘Gabriel’ It was asked, ‘Who is accompanying you?’ Gabriel replied, ‘Muhammad.’ It was asked, ‘Has he been called?’ Gabriel replied in the affirmative. Then it was said, ‘He is welcomed, what an excel lent visit his is!’ The gate was opened, and when I went over the fourth heaven, there I saw Idris. Gabriel said (to me), ‘This is Idris; pay him your greetings.’ So I greeted him and he returned the greeting to me and said, ‘You are welcomed, O pious brother and pious Prophet.’ Then Gabriel ascended with me to the fifth heaven and asked for its gate to be opened. It was asked, ‘Who is it?’ Gabriel replied, ‘Gabriel.’ It was asked. ‘Who is accompanying you?’ Gabriel replied, ‘Muhammad.’ It was asked, ‘Has he been called?’ Gabriel replied in the affirmative. Then it was said He is welcomed, what an excellent visit his is! So when I went over the fifth heaven, there I saw Harun (i.e. Aaron), Gabriel said, (to me). This is Aaron; pay him your greetings.’ I greeted him and he returned the greeting to me and said, ‘You are welcomed, O pious brother and pious Prophet.’ Then Gabriel ascended with me to the sixth heaven and asked for its gate to be opened. It was asked. ‘Who is it?’ Gabriel replied, ‘Gabriel.’ It was asked, ‘Who is accompanying you?’ Gabriel replied, ‘Muhammad.’ It was asked, ‘Has he been called?’ Gabriel replied in the affirmative. It was said, ‘He is welcomed. What an excellent visit his is!’ When I went (over the sixth heaven), there I saw Moses. Gabriel said (to me),’ This is Moses; pay him your greeting. So I greeted him and he returned the greetings to me and said, ‘You are welcomed, O pious brother and pious Prophet.’ When I left him (i.e. Moses) he wept. Someone asked him, ‘What makes you weep?’ Moses said, ‘I weep because after me there has been sent (as Prophet) a young man whose followers will enter Paradise in greater numbers than my followers.’ Then Gabriel ascended with me to the seventh heaven and asked for its gate to be opened. It was asked, ‘Who is it?’ Gabriel replied, ‘Gabriel.’ It was asked,’ Who is accompanying you?’ Gabriel replied, ‘Muhammad.’ It was asked, ‘Has he been called?’ Gabriel replied in the affirmative. Then it was said, ‘He is welcomed. What an excellent visit his is!’ So when I went (over the seventh heaven), there I saw Abraham. Gabriel said (to me), ‘This is your father; pay your greetings to him.’ So I greeted him and he returned the greetings to me and said, ‘You are welcomed, O pious son and pious Prophet.’ Then I was made to ascend to Sidrat-ul-Muntaha (i.e. the Lote Tree of the utmost boundary) Behold! Its fruits were like the jars of Hajr (i.e. a place near Medina) and its leaves were as big as the ears of elephants. Gabriel said, ‘This is the Lote Tree of the utmost boundary) . Behold ! There ran four rivers, two were hidden and two were visible, I asked, ‘What are these two kinds of rivers, O Gabriel?’ He replied,’ As for the hidden rivers, they are two rivers in Paradise and the visible rivers are the Nile and the Euphrates.’ Then Al-Bait-ul-Ma’mur (i.e. the Sacred House) was shown to me and a container full of wine and another full of milk and a third full of honey were brought to me. I took the milk. Gabriel remarked, ‘This is the Islamic religion which you and your followers are following.’ Then the prayers were enjoined on me: They were fifty prayers a day. When I returned, I passed by Moses who asked (me), ‘What have you been ordered to do?’ I replied, ‘I have been ordered to offer fifty prayers a day.’ Moses said, ‘Your followers cannot bear fifty prayers a day, and by Allah, I have tested people before you, and I have tried my level best with Bani Israel (in vain). Go back to your Lord and ask for reduction to lessen your followers’ burden.’ So I went back, and Allah reduced ten prayers for me. Then again I came to Moses, but he repeated the same as he had said before. Then again I went back to Allah and He reduced ten more prayers. When I came back to Moses he said the same, I went back to Allah and He ordered me to observe ten prayers a day. When I came back to Moses, he repeated the same advice, so I went back to Allah and was ordered to observe five prayers a day. When I came back to Moses, he said, ‘What have you been ordered?’ I replied, ‘I have been ordered to observe five prayers a day.’ He said, ‘Your followers cannot bear five prayers a day, and no doubt, I have got an experience of the people before you, and I have tried my level best with Bani Israel, so go back to your Lord and ask for reduction to lessen your follower’s burden.’ I said, ‘I have requested so much of my Lord that I feel ashamed, but I am satisfied now and surrender to Allah’s Order.’ When I left, I heard a voice saying, ‘I have passed My Order and have lessened the burden of My Worshipers.”
Islamic Traditions About Miraj Night
Based on the above references from the Quran and Hadiths, the Islamic Commentators and Scholars have narrated the events during the Miraj Night.
Date and Time of Journey
It started on the night of the 27th Rajab of 621 CE, believed to be Monday. The Prophet Muhammad was asleep in his home when the Angel Jibril along with some other Angels, came to him and took him along to Ka’aba (Masjid Al-Haram). The Angels opened the chest of the Prophet and washed his heart with the Zamzam water. It is believed to be an act of preparation for the upcoming most significant moment of meeting the Almighty Allah.
Al – Buraq
After that, a Horse-like Bird was sent down from the Heavens, known as Al-Buraq. It was a superfast mode of traveling. The Prophet boarded on the back of the Al-Buraq. The holy journey from Masjid Al-Haram to Masjid Al-Aqsa was completed in a flash of an eye.
Prophet Muhammad Leads the Prayers of All Prophets at Masjid Al-Aqsa
When the Prophet Muhammad reached Masjid Al-Aqsa, all the previous Prophets were present there by the Will and Command of Allah. It is believed that all the Prophets and Messengers of Allah performed the Prayer, which was led by the Prophet Muhammad.
The first part of the Miraj an-Nabi, Al-Isra, was completed. From here, the Prophet Muhammad physically Ascended to the Heavens, accompanied by the Angel Jibril عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ, which is called the Miraj (Ascension).
The Prophet was Ascended to Heavens (Al-Miraj)
After the prayers at Masjid Al-Aqsa, the Prophet Muhammad صَلَّى ٱللَّٰهُ عَلَيْهِۦ وَسَلَّمَ was Ascended to the seven Heavens. On his way to the ultimate destination, he met different Prophets on each of the seven Heavens. On the first Heaven, he met Prophet Adam عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ. Next, he met Prophets Yahya, Isa, Yousaf, Idris, Harun, Musa and Ibrahim عَلَيْهِمُ ٱلسَّلَامُ.
Then the Prophet Muhammad صَلَّى ٱللَّٰهُ عَلَيْهِۦ وَسَلَّمَ reached Sidratil Muntaha along with the Angel Jibril عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ. This was the last point where anyone including the Arch Angel Jibril عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ was allowed. From here on, the Prophet Muhammad صَلَّى ٱللَّٰهُ عَلَيْهِۦ وَسَلَّمَ Ascended alone, till he reached Allah سُبْحَانَهُۥ وَتَعَالَىٰ within a distance of two bows or even closer to that, as narrated by some scholars.
Baitul Ma’mur
The Prophet Muhammad صَلَّى ٱللَّٰهُ عَلَيْهِۦ وَسَلَّمَ was also shown the “Baitul Ma’mur (The Sacred House). It is believed to be the prototype of the Ka’aba, which exists on the seventh Heaven, exactly above it.
Sidratul Muntaha
Sidratul Muntaha is said to be a large Lote Tree, which marks the farthest boundary of the seventh Heaven. Lote or Sidr tree is scientifically known as Zizyphus Spina-Christi, commonly referred to as the Jujube tree.
This happens to the be the end of the reach of any of the Angels. No one had ever gone beyond this point, until the night of Miraj, when the Prophet Muhammad صَلَّى ٱللَّٰهُ عَلَيْهِۦ وَسَلَّمَ was honored by Allah سُبْحَانَهُۥ وَتَعَالَىٰ to cross this boundary. The Angel Jibril عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ told the Prophet that I am not allowed to go beyond this point and that the Prophet would be directly guided by Allah سُبْحَانَهُۥ وَتَعَالَىٰ from here on. The Prophet was thereafter Commanded by Allah سُبْحَانَهُۥ وَتَعَالَىٰ to come closer to Him; as close as the distance of less than two bows.
Here the Prophet spoke to Allah سُبْحَانَهُۥ وَتَعَالَىٰ. Two important events happened at this stage. Firstly, the gift of Prayers given by Allah سُبْحَانَهُۥ وَتَعَالَىٰ to His beloved Prophet for his Ummah (followers). Secondly, Allah directly revealed the last verse of Surah Al-Baqarah upon the Prophet.
The Gift of Five Daily Prayers
In the first instance, Allah سُبْحَانَهُۥ وَتَعَالَىٰ gifted the Prophet Muhammad صَلَّى ٱللَّٰهُ عَلَيْهِۦ وَسَلَّمَ with 50 daily prayers, which were eventually reduced to five, as narrated in the above-referred Hadith. It was Prophet Musa عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ who suggested to the Prophet Muhammad صَلَّى ٱللَّٰهُ عَلَيْهِۦ وَسَلَّمَ to request Allah سُبْحَانَهُۥ وَتَعَالَىٰ for reduction in number of daily prayers.
The Last Verse of Surah Al-Baqarah
The last two verses of Surah Al-Baqarah, starting from “Amanar Rasulo” to the end of the Surah, were directly revealed to the Prophet Muhammad صَلَّى ٱللَّٰهُ عَلَيْهِۦ وَسَلَّمَ by Allah سُبْحَانَهُۥ وَتَعَالَىٰ.
Arabic text of 285th verse of Surah Al-Baqarah:
اٰمَنَ الرَّسُوْلُ بِمَاۗ اُنْزِلَ اِلَيْہِ مِنْ رَّبِّہٖ وَ الْمُؤْمِنُوْنَ۰ۭ كُلٌّ اٰمَنَ بِاللہِ وَمَلٰۗىِٕكَتِہٖ وَكُتُبِہٖ وَرُسُلِہٖ۰ۣ لَا نُفَرِّقُ بَيْنَ اَحَدٍ مِّنْ رُّسُلِہٖ۰ۣ وَقَالُوْا سَمِعْنَا وَاَطَعْنَا ۰ۤۡ غُفْرَانَكَ رَبَّنَا وَاِلَيْكَ الْمَصِيْرُ۲۸۵
Translation
The Messenger has believed in the Guidance which has been sent down to him from his Lord, and those who believe in the Messenger have also sincerely accepted the same. They all believe in Allah, His Angels, His Books and Messengers. And they say, “We do not discriminate against any of His Messengers. We have heard the Message and submitted to it. Our Lord, we look up to You for forgiveness, for to You we shall all return.”
Arabic Text of 286th Verse of Surah Al-Baqarah:
لَا يُكَلِّفُ اللہُ نَفْسًا اِلَّا وُسْعَہَا۰ۭ لَہَا مَا كَسَبَتْ وَعَلَيْہَا مَااكْتَسَبَتْ۰ۭ رَبَّنَا لَا تُؤَاخِذْنَاۗ اِنْ نَّسِيْنَاۗ اَوْ اَخْطَاْنَا۰ۚ رَبَّنَا وَلَا تَحْمِلْ عَلَيْنَاۗ اِصْرًا كَـمَا حَمَلْتَہٗ عَلَي الَّذِيْنَ مِنْ قَبْلِنَا۰ۚ رَبَّنَا وَلَا تُحَمِّلْنَا مَا لَا طَاقَۃَ لَنَا بِہٖ۰ۚ وَاعْفُ عَنَّا۰۪ وَاغْفِرْ لَنَا۰۪ وَارْحَمْنَا۰۪ اَنْتَ مَوْلٰىنَا فَانْصُرْنَا عَلَي الْقَوْمِ الْكٰفِرِيْنَ۲۸۶ۧ
Translation
Allah does not burden any human being with a responsibility heavier than he can bear. Everyone will enjoy the fruit of the good that one has earned and shall suffer for the evil that one has committed. (O Believers, pray like this to Allah: “Our Lord, take us not to task if we forget and lapse into error inadvertently. Lord! lay not on us the kind of burdens that You had lain on the people before us. Lord, lay not on us the kind of burden that we have not the strength to bear. Be kind to us, forgive us and show mercy to us. You are our Protector: help us against the disbelievers.”
